Mrs Bee's Emporium: Baby, it’s cold outside - but your family shouldn't be

"The perfect antidote to dark, cold and creepy, is light, warm and cosy." Candice Olson

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It’s fair to say that summer this year was MIA (missing in action). August temperatures were consistently below average, while rainfall was above. And now autumn is officially here. Even though the clocks have yet to go back, the nights are drawing in. It’s getting chillier too, and perhaps the debate about whether it’s too early to put the heating on has already taken place in your home (it certainly has in ours!).

As the nights get longer, and the temperature drops, we’re more likely to want to hunker down at home. And, just like those animals who sleep the winter away, we want our surroundings not only to feel warm and cosy, but to look it. We all know that colours can make us perceive a room as warm or cold, regardless of the actual temperature. None of us want to feel chilly at home at Christmas so, if your home is leaving you cold, a few simple, inexpensive touches can transform it into a cosy space that you’ll want to retreat to.

Lounging around

For many of us, the lounge is the heart of the home. It’s probably where you spend the most time when you’re at home, and should be a place that you’re comfortable relaxing, unwinding, and slobbing out in your onesie (or other preferred loungewear).

Whether you choose to chill on a sofa or an armchair, adding cushions of varying sizes will turn your seat into your own little burrow. Opt for soft fabrics such as velvet or chenille for ultimate luxury to cuddle up to. Quote cushions are a good way to add a warm glow inside, or, for the ultimate personal touch, add one that’s specially personalised for you and your family.

Snug as a bug...

If you’re the cold blooded type, cushions can be complemented with matching or contrasting throws. Not only do throws make a nice design feature, but they’re perfect for snuggling under on chilly evenings. Again, fabrics such as chenille or fleece will be soft and cosy for those wintry evenings. Of course, body heat is the best way to keep warm, so why not cuddle up with a loved one?

From the bottom up

If you like to holiday in hot countries - especially those in the Med - then you’ll know that most buildings have tiled floors. The reason is obvious - they help keep homes cool in the intense summer heat. However, what you might not know is that, as the temperature drops, shops that had been selling bikinis and sundresses, are suddenly bursting at the seams with rugs. Winter in Mediterranean countries can be surprisingly cold, and locals know that covering their hard, cold floors with carpeting helps to keep the heat in, and their homes warm.

Laminate and other hard floorings have become a popular choice in British homes. Hardwearing, easy to clean, and hygienic, it’s not surprising but, just like tiled floors, they’re not ideal if you want to keep your home warm and cosy in the cold weather. A rug adds both physical and visual warmth to a room. From traditional patterns, to faux fur, there’s something to suit every home, whatever its style.

Add a lighter touch

Who doesn’t love an open fire on a cold evening? We certainly do. But many homes don’t have that option anymore. If your’s doesn’t, candles are a great alternative. The flickering light is reminiscent of days gone by, and may even get you in the mood for romance. On dark winter evenings, why not turn off the lights for and cuddle up in the soft, warm glow?

Do you have fragrances that remind you of people, places, or special events? Scents can be particularly evocative, and scented candles not only make your home smell gorgeous, but can also set a festive scene. Pine, eucalyptus, Christmas spice, orange, and cinnamon are all suggestive of cosy Christmas festivities.

Make it personal

Personalised artwork might not make your home toasty, but it can certainly create a warm glow inside. Whether it’s a much-loved quote, a favourite drawing by one of the kids, or a special photo, it adds an individual touch to your home.

For something a little different, why not try one of Mrs Bee’s postal frames? These unique frames can be filled with little notes reminding you and your loved ones of everything in your lives that you’re grateful for. When you need an emotional boost, the frame can be opened for you to read the notes. Why not fill the frame through the year, and open it on Christmas Eve? Just remember to have the tissues handy!

We don’t have any choice about it being cold outside, but we can make sure that our home isn’t. Creating a perfect winter haven doesn’t need much time, effort, or money, but it can certainly boost our mood as the nights draw in.

See you soon